Mexican War United States Army Officer, US Congressman, 11th Illinois Governor. Born near Cooperstown, New York, and graduated in medicine at Philadelphia. Practiced medicine for a short time, then studied law. He was a representative in the state legislature of 1840. He served as Colonel of the Second Illinois Volunteers in the Mexican War, and gained distinction at the Battle of Buena Vista. He served in Congress from 1840 to 1855. While there he was challenged to a duel by Jefferson Davis; a challenge he accepted, though friends prevented the duel from taking place. After the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, Bissell left the Democratic party. In 1856 he became the first Republican Governor of Illinois, serving until his death in office in 1860.
He was first interred at Hutchinson Cemetery in Springfield. Upon its closing by the city, all bodies were removed to other cemeteries. Gov. Bissell was removed on May 31, 1871, to Oak Ridge Cemetery where his large monument had already been erected.
He was first interred at Hutchinson Cemetery in Springfield. Upon its closing by the city, all bodies were removed to other cemeteries. Gov. Bissell was removed on May 31, 1871, to Oak Ridge Cemetery where his large monument had already been erected.
Mexican War United States Army Officer, US Congressman, 11th Illinois Governor. Born near Cooperstown, New York, and graduated in medicine at Philadelphia. Practiced medicine for a short time, then studied law. He was a representative in the state legislature of 1840. He served as Colonel of the Second Illinois Volunteers in the Mexican War, and gained distinction at the Battle of Buena Vista. He served in Congress from 1840 to 1855. While there he was challenged to a duel by Jefferson Davis; a challenge he accepted, though friends prevented the duel from taking place. After the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, Bissell left the Democratic party. In 1856 he became the first Republican Governor of Illinois, serving until his death in office in 1860.
He was first interred at Hutchinson Cemetery in Springfield. Upon its closing by the city, all bodies were removed to other cemeteries. Gov. Bissell was removed on May 31, 1871, to Oak Ridge Cemetery where his large monument had already been erected.
He was first interred at Hutchinson Cemetery in Springfield. Upon its closing by the city, all bodies were removed to other cemeteries. Gov. Bissell was removed on May 31, 1871, to Oak Ridge Cemetery where his large monument had already been erected.
Inscription
This monument to his memory, erected by the state, in gratitude for his many and various services.
Family Members
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